What game engines do AAA games use?

If you’re a gamer, you’ve probably wondered about the technology behind the games you play. In particular, you might be curious about the game engines that power the most popular titles. Game engines are the software that developers use to create games, and they are a crucial part of the game development process. In this article, we’ll explore the game engines that are used by AAA games, which are the highest-quality games developed by the biggest publishers. We’ll take a look at some of the most popular game engines, including Unreal Engine, Unity, and CryEngine, and we’ll discuss their features and capabilities. So whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, read on to learn about the engines that bring your favorite games to life.

Popular game engines used by AAA games

Unity

Unity is a popular game engine that has been used to develop a wide range of AAA games across various platforms. It was first released in 2005 and has since become one of the most widely used game engines in the industry.

Overview of Unity

Unity is a powerful and versatile game engine that provides developers with a range of tools and features to create high-quality games. It supports multiple platforms, including PC, console, mobile, and VR, and can be used to create both 2D and 3D games. Unity also has a strong focus on user-generated content, with a large community of developers creating and sharing assets and tools.

Key features and capabilities

Unity offers a wide range of features and capabilities that make it a popular choice for AAA game development. Some of its key features include:

• A powerful 3D engine with advanced rendering capabilities
• A robust physics engine that supports both soft body dynamics and rigid body physics
• A sophisticated animation system that allows for both manual and automated animation
• A robust scripting engine that supports C# and JavaScript
• A range of tools for level design, character creation, and asset management

Examples of AAA games built with Unity

Unity has been used to develop a wide range of AAA games across various platforms. Some examples include:

• “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds” (PUBG)
• “Fortnite”
• “Minecraft”
• “Monster Hunter: World”
• “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt”

Pros and cons of using Unity

Like any game engine, Unity has its own set of pros and cons. Some of the advantages of using Unity include:

• It is a powerful and versatile engine that can be used to create a wide range of games across multiple platforms
• It has a large and active community of developers who create and share assets and tools
• It offers a range of tools and features that make it easy to create high-quality games

However, there are also some disadvantages to using Unity, including:

• It can be difficult to learn, especially for beginners
• It can be resource-intensive, which can impact performance on lower-end machines
• It can be expensive, especially for larger projects that require additional features and tools.

Unreal Engine

Overview of Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine is a popular game engine developed by Epic Games. It is widely used in the development of AAA games across various platforms, including PC, console, and mobile devices. The engine is known for its flexibility, scalability, and robust features, making it a popular choice among game developers.

Unreal Engine offers a wide range of features and capabilities that make it a powerful tool for game developers. Some of the key features include:

• High-performance rendering: Unreal Engine is designed to deliver high-quality graphics and realistic visuals, making it an ideal choice for AAA games.
• Physics simulation: The engine includes a robust physics simulation system that allows for realistic interactions between objects and characters.
• Advanced animation tools: Unreal Engine provides advanced animation tools that allow developers to create complex character animations and movements.
• Blueprint visual scripting: Blueprint visual scripting is a powerful tool that allows developers to create complex game logic without having to write code.
• Support for multiple platforms: Unreal Engine supports multiple platforms, including PC, console, and mobile devices, making it a versatile tool for game developers.

Examples of AAA games built with Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine has been used to develop many popular AAA games, including:

• Fortnite
• Gears of War series
• Unreal Tournament series
• Batman: Arkham series
• Mass Effect series

Pros and cons of using Unreal Engine

Using Unreal Engine has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the project’s requirements and constraints. Some of the pros of using Unreal Engine include:

• High-quality graphics and visuals
• Flexibility and scalability
• Robust physics simulation and animation tools
• Support for multiple platforms

However, there are also some cons to consider, such as:

• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Limited customization options for certain aspects of the engine
• High system requirements for running the engine and developing games
• Limited support for certain platforms or game genres

Other popular game engines

In addition to the game engines previously mentioned, there are several other popular game engines that are commonly used by AAA game developers. These include:

• CryEngine: CryEngine is a powerful game engine developed by Crytek, a leading game development studio. It is known for its advanced graphics capabilities and has been used to develop popular games such as Crysis and Ryse: Son of Rome. CryEngine offers a wide range of features, including real-time global illumination, advanced physics simulation, and dynamic tessellation.
• Gamebry: Gamebry is a versatile game engine developed by Wargaming, the company behind the popular game World of Tanks. It is designed to support both 2D and 3D game development and offers a range of features, including a visual scripting system, advanced physics simulation, and support for multiple platforms.
• Godot: Godot is a free and open-source game engine that is gaining popularity among indie game developers. It offers a range of features, including a visual editor, advanced 2D and 3D graphics capabilities, and support for multiple platforms. Godot is designed to be user-friendly and easy to learn, making it a great choice for developers who are new to game engines.
• Lumberyard: Lumberyard is a free game engine developed by Amazon Web Services. It is designed to be highly scalable and offers a range of features, including advanced graphics capabilities, physics simulation, and support for virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. Lumberyard is a popular choice for developers who are building large-scale, multiplayer games.
• RPG Maker: RPG Maker is a popular game engine that is specifically designed for creating role-playing games. It offers a range of features, including a visual scripting system, advanced character customization, and support for multiple platforms. RPG Maker is a great choice for developers who are interested in creating RPGs but don’t have extensive programming experience.

Factors influencing game engine selection

Game genre

The choice of game engine for AAA games is often influenced by the game genre. Different genres have different requirements, and certain engines are better suited to meet those requirements. Here are some of the most popular game genres and the game engines that are commonly used for them:

First-person shooters

First-person shooters (FPS) are a popular genre of video games that are typically characterized by fast-paced action and multiplayer modes. Some of the most popular game engines for FPS games include:

• Unreal Engine: This game engine is developed by Epic Games and is widely used for creating high-quality graphics and realistic physics in FPS games.
• Source Engine: Developed by Valve Corporation, the Source Engine is a versatile game engine that has been used to create several popular FPS games, including “Half-Life” and “Team Fortress.”
• CryEngine: Developed by Crytek, this game engine is known for its advanced graphics and realistic lighting effects, making it a popular choice for FPS games.

Role-playing games

Role-playing games (RPGs) are a genre of video games that focus on character development and storytelling. Some of the most popular game engines for RPGs include:

• RPG Maker: This game engine is designed specifically for creating RPGs and has been used to create several popular indie games.
• Unity: While Unity is a general-purpose game engine, it has been used to create several successful RPGs, thanks to its flexible scripting system and powerful editor.
• Godot Engine: This open-source game engine is designed for creating 2D and 3D games and has been used to create several successful RPGs, including “Undertale.”

Racing games

Racing games are a genre of video games that focus on competitive driving and racing. Some of the most popular game engines for racing games include:

• Need for Speed: This game engine is developed by Electronic Arts and is widely used for creating realistic racing games with advanced graphics and physics.
• Forza Engine: Developed by Microsoft, the Forza Engine is a powerful game engine that is used to create high-quality racing games with realistic physics and detailed car models.
• TrackMania Nations Forever: This game engine is designed specifically for creating racing games and has been used to create several popular racing games, including “TrackMania Nations Forever.”

Sports games

Sports games are a genre of video games that simulate real-world sports and athletic competitions. Some of the most popular game engines for sports games include:

• Madden NFL: This game engine is developed by Electronic Arts and is widely used for creating realistic football games with advanced graphics and physics.
• FIFA: Developed by EA Sports, the FIFA game engine is used to create realistic soccer games with advanced physics and player animations.
• NBA 2K: This game engine is developed by 2K Sports and is used to create realistic basketball games with advanced graphics and player animations.

Strategy games

Strategy games are a genre of video games that focus on planning and decision-making, often in a simulated environment. Some of the most popular game engines for strategy games include:

• Starcraft II: This game engine is developed by Blizzard Entertainment and is used to create real-time strategy games with detailed graphics and complex gameplay mechanics.
• Civilization VI: Developed by Firaxis Games, the Civilization VI game engine is used to create turn-based strategy games with detailed graphics and deep gameplay mechanics.
• Total War: This game engine is developed by Creative Assembly and is used to create real-time strategy games with detailed graphics and complex battle mechanics.

Platform considerations

When selecting a game engine for AAA games, developers must take into account the target platform(s) for the game. Different platforms have different technical requirements and capabilities, which can affect the choice of game engine.

Console vs. PC

Console games typically have more stringent technical requirements than PC games, as they need to be optimized for specific hardware configurations. This means that game engines for console games must be designed to support features such as resolution scaling, frame rate locking, and performance optimization. Popular game engines for console games include Unreal Engine, id Tech, and Frostbite Engine.

Mobile vs. desktop

Mobile games have different technical requirements than desktop games, as they need to be optimized for lower-end hardware and limited screen size. This means that game engines for mobile games must be designed to support features such as touch input, lower resolutions, and smaller file sizes. Popular game engines for mobile games include Unity, GameMaker Studio, and Construct 3.

Virtual reality vs. augmented reality

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) games have different technical requirements than traditional games, as they require immersive 3D environments and real-time interaction with the player’s physical surroundings. This means that game engines for VR and AR games must be designed to support features such as motion tracking, spatial audio, and hand tracking. Popular game engines for VR and AR games include Unity, Unreal Engine, and Lumberyard.

Development team size and experience

• Small indie teams vs. large AAA studios
  • Indie teams typically have limited resources and manpower, making engine choice crucial for their project’s success. They often opt for cost-effective, user-friendly engines that provide a streamlined development process.
  • AAA studios, on the other hand, have greater resources and manpower, allowing them to invest in more powerful and customizable engines. These engines can handle complex projects with intricate details and demanding hardware requirements.
• Technical expertise required for each engine
  • Engines with a steeper learning curve and higher technical requirements may be better suited for experienced developers and larger teams. These engines offer greater control and flexibility but can also be more challenging to work with.
  • User-friendly engines with simpler interfaces and minimal technical requirements are more accessible to smaller teams and developers with less experience. These engines allow for a more streamlined development process, enabling quicker prototyping and iteration.

Overall, the choice of game engine depends on the specific needs and capabilities of the development team. AAA games, with their massive budgets and experienced developers, often opt for powerful and customizable engines that can handle their ambitious projects. In contrast, indie teams with limited resources may opt for more affordable and user-friendly engines to bring their ideas to life.

Budget and timeline

When it comes to selecting a game engine for AAA games, the budget and timeline are two crucial factors that cannot be overlooked.

Cost of licensing and maintenance

Licensing and maintenance costs can vary greatly between different game engines, and AAA game developers need to carefully consider which engine will provide the best value for their project’s budget. Some game engines, such as Unity, offer free licenses for small projects, while others, like Unreal Engine, have a more complex pricing structure based on the size and scope of the project. Additionally, ongoing maintenance costs, such as updates and technical support, need to be factored into the budget as well.

Time required for development and deployment

The time required for development and deployment is another critical factor that affects game engine selection. Some game engines are known for being more user-friendly and intuitive, while others may require a steeper learning curve and more development time. For AAA games, which often have tight deadlines and high expectations, selecting an engine that can streamline the development process and minimize delays is essential. Developers may also need to consider the availability of experienced staff or external developers who are familiar with the chosen engine to ensure a smooth development process.

FAQs

1. What is a game engine?

A game engine is a software development framework used to create video games. It provides developers with a set of tools and resources to design, create, and build games with greater efficiency and ease.

2. What are AAA games?

AAA games are high-quality, high-budget video games that are considered to be the most successful and popular in the industry. They typically have a large development team, a large marketing budget, and are designed to provide an immersive and engaging gaming experience.

3. What game engines do AAA games use?

Many AAA games use proprietary game engines that are specifically designed for their respective franchises. For example, the “Unreal Engine” is used to develop games in the “Unreal” series, while the “Id Tech” engine is used to develop games in the “Doom” series. Other popular game engines used by AAA games include the “CryEngine,” “Lumberyard,” and “Frostbite.”

4. Why do AAA games use proprietary game engines?

AAA games often use proprietary game engines because they are tailored specifically for the needs of the game and franchise. This allows developers to create unique and innovative features that set their games apart from the competition. Additionally, using a proprietary engine allows for greater control over the development process and the final product.

5. Are there any AAA games that use open-source game engines?

Yes, there are several AAA games that use open-source game engines. For example, the “Godot” game engine is used to develop the popular indie game “Stardew Valley.” The “Cocos2d-x” engine is used in the development of several mobile games, including “Fruit Ninja.” However, the use of open-source engines in AAA games is relatively rare, as proprietary engines offer more flexibility and control.